What is the Tax Ombud, and what do they do?

The Tax Ombud is an independent office that investigates complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS). We help taxpayers resolve disputes, ensure fair treatment, and promote a just tax system.

How can I lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud?

You can lodge a complaint online through our website, by email, or by post. Our website provides detailed instructions and forms to assist you.

I received a tax assessment I disagree with. What can I do?

You can lodge a formal objection with SARS within a specified timeframe. If you're dissatisfied with SARS's response, you can escalate the matter to the Tax Ombud.

I'm having trouble with SARS's eFiling system. Who can I contact for help?

You can contact SARS directly through their eFiling helpdesk or visit a SARS branch. If you're still experiencing difficulties, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm concerned about a SARS audit. What should I do?

Cooperate with the SARS auditor and provide all necessary documentation. If you believe the audit is unfair or excessive, you can consult with a tax advisor or lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm having trouble with SARS's debt collection process. What are my rights?

SARS must follow specific procedures when collecting debt. If you believe SARS is not following these procedures, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm a small business owner and I'm struggling with SARS compliance. Where can I get help?

Consider consulting with a tax advisor or seeking assistance from SARS's Small Business Support Unit. If you encounter issues with SARS, you can also lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm a foreign national living in South Africa. What are my tax obligations?

Your tax obligations will depend on your specific circumstances. You may need to file a non-resident tax return or a resident tax return. Consult with a tax advisor or contact SARS for more information.

I've received a tax refund that is incorrect. How can I rectify this?

Contact SARS directly to resolve the issue. If you're unable to resolve the matter, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm concerned about data privacy and security with SARS. What can I do?

SARS has strict data privacy and security protocols. If you have concerns about how SARS is handling your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

Media Releases Archives - Office of the Tax Ombud

OTO Launches 2026 Awareness Campaign: Smart Taxpayers Make a Difference

Marketing Consent | Office of the Tax Ombud

bdh1 July 2026Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) today officially launches its 2026 Taxpayer Awareness Campaign, “Smart Taxpayers Make a Difference,” in support of the 2026 Tax Filing Season, which commences on 1 July 2026. The campaign aims to educate taxpayers, promote informed participation, and encourage voluntary tax compliance, emphasising that every taxpayer can make a […]

Publication of the OTO’s draft report into alleged e-Filing Profile Hijacking

bdh1 October 2025Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) today,1 October 2025, publishes the Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking for public comment. The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2025. The draft report follows a systemic investigation conducted by the OTO into alleged eFiling profile hijacking. The investigation commenced in August 2024, following approval […]

Media Statement: Joint statement by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO)

Grunge Header 450 | Office of the Tax Ombud

bdh26 September 2025Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

SARS and the OTO note with concern the recent article published by Sowetan regarding the rising number of SARS eFiling profiles reportedly hijacked by cyber-fraud criminals, resulting in significant financial losses for taxpayers. At the time of the article’s publication, the OTO had not yet released the draft report for public comment, and the article […]

Media Statement: Postponement of the publication of the Draft Report on the Investigation into alleged SARS eFiling Profile Hijacking

bdh2 July 2025Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

2 July 2025: The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) announces the postponement of the publication of the draft report on its investigation into alleged SARS eFiling profile hijacking, initially scheduled for release for public comment on 7 July 2025. This decision follows a formal request from the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service […]

Invitation to participate in the eFiling profile hijacking taxpayer experience survey

Annual Report 301 | Office of the Tax Ombud

bdh3 February 2025Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

On 15 August 2024, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) announced that it sought and obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to conduct a review of possible systemic and emerging issues related to alleged SARS’s service failures in assisting taxpayers with eFiling profile hijacking timeously in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the Tax […]

The Office of the Tax Ombud launches the 2023/24 Annual Report

bdh6 November 2024Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

Following the tabling of the Office of the Tax Ombud (“OTO”) 2023/24 Annual Report by the Minister of Finance in Parliament on 18 September 2024, today, on 6 November 2024, – the OTO launched its 2023/24 Annual Report in collaboration with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“SACCI”). In demonstrating its commitment […]

Office of the Tax Ombud launches its annual awareness campaign themed “Be A Smart Taxpayer”

bdh1 October 2024Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) today, 1 October 2024, launches its annual awareness campaign themed “Be A Smart Taxpayer”. The campaign aims to empower taxpayers to be smart, promote taxpayer rights and embrace tax compliance. It also serves to maximise awareness about the OTO brand and encourage taxpayers to utilise the free services […]

Tax Ombud to investigate complaints against SARS relating to service failure in assisting taxpayers affected by eFiling profile hijacking

bdh15 August 2024Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) confirms that it has sought and obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to conduct a review of possible systemic and emerging issues related to alleged SARS’s service failures in assisting taxpayers with eFiling profile hijacking timeously in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the Tax Administration Act 28 […]

Tax Ombud’s Annual Report 2022/23

oto24 November 2023Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

Media Statement: UWC Partners with the Office of the Tax Ombud

oto18 October 2023Media, Media ReleasesComments are off for this post

On Thursday 19 October 2023, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) will host a stakeholder engagement presentation by the Office of the Tax Ombud ( OTO) for staff, students and industry partners. The event is scheduled for 11am in the Senate Building. Dean of EMS Professor […]

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